# 2017 Summer Soccer Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [June 6, 2017, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226 "2017-06-06T00:09:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/41 "2017-06-19T03:38:20Z")
Ok, so the use of VAR in the Confederations Cup shows that there has to be some serious trimming of what the VAR is used for. It also shows that sometimes referee assistants are bad, and sometimes they are spot on. In the Portugal v México game, the VAR was used after Pepe appeared to have opened the scoring for Portugal in the 21st minute. In this case, the VAR determined that the goal should be disallowed because of a very obvious offside violation during the immediate buildup to the goal. Indeed, the violation is so obvious, it’s unclear how the assistant referee didn’t spot it in the first place. Kudos to the VAR. In the Chile v Cameroon game, however, things got dicey. At the end of the first half, Chile had a goal chalked off by the VAR. Again, the VAR was probably right (the player is in my opinion pretty clearly offside), but the evidence is not 100% (his feet are even with the feet of the opponent, but his torso is leaning towards the goal, past the opponent). Some have criticized the call, but I think it’s quite correct. However, in the dying moments of the game, Chile were again clearly offside (Sanchez mistimed his attempted run). Nevertheless, he latches onto the ball, takes it downfield, and, after dribbling for a while across the goal, has a shot blocked, with the rebound put in by a clearly onside teammate. However, the flag is up, presumably for the original offside by Sanchez. In steps the VAR, and this time, the VAR over-rules the call and awards the goal. Say what??? Now, if you are using video technology, it should be used to produce more accurate results. If it isn’t doing that, there is a problem. Further, it is of no help if it ends up making the officials less accurate in THEIR calls, feeling that the VAR is just going to clean up the mess. Based upon today’s results, we cannot say that VAR is a success. ---
**Author:** ![Quercus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/7ab992/32.png) [@Quercus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/42 "2017-06-19T15:06:56Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > Ok, so the use of VAR in the Confederations Cup shows that there has to be some serious trimming of what the VAR is used for. It also shows that sometimes referee assistants are bad, and sometimes they are spot on. > > In the Portugal v México game, the VAR was used after Pepe appeared to have opened the scoring for Portugal in the 21st minute. In this case, the VAR determined that the goal should be disallowed because of a very obvious offside violation during the immediate buildup to the goal. Indeed, the violation is so obvious, it’s unclear how the assistant referee didn’t spot it in the first place. Kudos to the VAR. > > In the Chile v Cameroon game, however, things got dicey. At the end of the first half, Chile had a goal chalked off by the VAR. Again, the VAR was probably right (the player is in my opinion pretty clearly offside), but the evidence is not 100% (his feet are even with the feet of the opponent, but his torso is leaning towards the goal, past the opponent). Some have criticized the call, but I think it’s quite correct. > > However, in the dying moments of the game, Chile were again clearly offside (Sanchez mistimed his attempted run). Nevertheless, he latches onto the ball, takes it downfield, and, after dribbling for a while across the goal, has a shot blocked, with the rebound put in by a clearly onside teammate. However, the flag is up, presumably for the original offside by Sanchez. In steps the VAR, and this time, the VAR over-rules the call and awards the goal. Say what??? > > Now, if you are using video technology, it should be used to produce more accurate results. If it isn’t doing that, there is a problem. Further, it is of no help if it ends up making the officials less accurate in THEIR calls, feeling that the VAR is just going to clean up the mess. Based upon today’s results, we cannot say that VAR is a success. I only just looked quickly at videos, and generally agree, but in fairness to the linesmen, for the Portugal goal, while there are three completely clearly offside Portugal players, the player who ended up getting the ball was much closer to being onside. Less wriggle room for the linesman in the Chile game. Did he raise the flag at the end because he assumed that if the Chilean was behind the goalkeeper he must be offside? If so, then over-ruling that call was in fact correct. Missing the original offside by Sanchez is of course an error by the linesman and I see no reason VAR shouldn’t have picked that up. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/43 "2017-06-19T16:08:13Z")
Germanys B team is better than everyone else. They are scary good. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/44 "2017-06-19T16:16:50Z")
Another review fail. Aus 2nd goal was a clear hand ball and it was reviewed and allowed to stand. Wtf? ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/45 "2017-06-19T17:41:42Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Another review fail. Aus 2nd goal was a clear hand ball and it was reviewed and allowed to stand. Wtf? The law has been changed on that. Instead of saying that you cannot score with the hand, it now says you cannot score illegally. So, if the handling was not deliberate, and the ball goes in, it’s a good goal. Haven’t seen the goal yet. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/46 "2017-06-19T17:44:00Z")
I haven’t been able to watch any matches, but who is doing the reviews? Does the ref head over to a screen to watch replays like the NFL? I’ve always thought they should just have a guy in a booth that radios the ref in real time to give the correct call. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/47 "2017-06-19T18:11:22Z")
> [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > I haven’t been able to watch any matches, but who is doing the reviews? Does the ref head over to a screen to watch replays like the NFL? > > I’ve always thought they should just have a guy in a booth that radios the ref in real time to give the correct call. It’s the latter. There are other officials in a room that speak to the ref on the field. ---
**Author:** ![Quercus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/7ab992/32.png) [@Quercus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/48 "2017-06-19T18:23:11Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Another review fail. Aus 2nd goal was a clear hand ball and it was reviewed and allowed to stand. Wtf? That’s pretty WTF. I mean, any other area of the field, I could see letting that go; it’s not the most egregious handball ever, and not clear that it was intentional. But it’s not clear it was unintentional either and at any rate his arm was far enough away from his body that you can’t let that lead to a goal. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/49 "2017-06-19T20:12:23Z")
> [@ISiddiqui](#): > > It’s the latter. There are other officials in a room that speak to the ref on the field. Hmm. Interesting. And they’re slow enough that it messes with the flow of the game? Usually on fouls or goals you can get a good replay that shows the correct call before the ensuing free kick/kick off. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/50 "2017-06-19T21:15:47Z")
Who gets request the review? The onfield captains or the referee alone? ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/51 "2017-06-26T20:18:55Z")
Frank DeBoer now managing at Crystal Palace (3 year contract, for whatever that is worth). I think that’s a good appointment for CP. Gotta consider it a step back for DeBoer after InterMilan, but probably a good one. Now the interesting question: can he actually get CP to spend a season not being dragged into the relegation drama? ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2017, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/52 "2017-06-27T22:12:07Z")
American PL fans will now have to pay up to see a lot of the PL games, they won’t be streaming for free any longer. They don’t see if the the Premier League Extra channels on cable will still be available. At least on RCN Chicago, they were broadcast in SD only. NBC Sports - ProSoccerTalk: “Premier League Pass” to launch on NBC Sports Gold > **["Premier League Pass" to launch on NBC Sports Gold - ProSoccerTalk | NBC Sports](https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2017/06/27/premier-league-pass-to-launch-on-nbc-sports-gold/)** > > New service to kick off for 2017-18 Premier League season. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/53 "2017-06-29T21:08:46Z")
Not sure if this is the thread for this, but - Claudio Bravo just saved all 3 penalty kicks he faced in the shootout between Chile and Portugal. Now hoping the Confederations Cup final goes to a shootout and we see Bravo and Neuer in action. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2017, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/54 "2017-06-29T21:33:09Z")
[QUOTE=Velocity;20313847[ol] [/ol]]Not sure if this is the thread for this, but - Claudio Bravo just saved all 3 penalty kicks he faced in the shootout between Chile and Portugal. Now hoping the Confederations Cup final goes to a shootout and we see Bravo and Neuer in action. [/QUOTE] Neuer isnt there. This is a young Germany B team. No Hummels, Muller, Ozil, Khedira Boatang, Reus, Gotze nor the retired Lamn and Klose. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2017, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/55 "2017-06-30T02:26:43Z")
Sunday Portugal v Mexico at 5am PDT in 3rd place game Germany v Chile at 1030 PDT ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2017, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/56 "2017-06-30T13:36:26Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > Not sure if this is the thread for this, but - Claudio Bravo just saved all 3 penalty kicks he faced in the shootout between Chile and Portugal. Was I the only one who was quietly pleased that the last penalty he saved was the rather tame effort of the Crying Child, Nani? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2017, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/57 "2017-07-02T21:54:50Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Neuer isnt there. This is a young Germany B team. No Hummels, Muller, Ozil, Khedira Boatang, Reus, Gotze nor the retired Lamn and Klose. German B-team looked good today. Between that and winning the 21-and-under championship, the future is fantastic. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2017, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/58 "2017-07-02T23:15:09Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#): > > German B-team looked good today. Between that and winning the 21-and-under championship, the future is fantastic. I couldn’t agree more. The Germans have learned from their mistakes (sticking too long with veteran players) and their technical abilitities are unmatched. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/59 "2017-07-03T04:24:01Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Neuer isnt there. :smack: What was I thinking. ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226/60 "2017-07-03T04:45:18Z")
Germany looks sharp. Chile not doing too shabby, either. Gonna be one heck of an interesting WC next summer! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-summer-soccer-thread/788226.md?page=2)